Feathered paddle mechanism with guided eccentric



March 24, 1964 3,126,061

' FEATHEREP PADDLE MECHANISM WITH GUIDED ECCENTRIC C. D. TOWN Mali C 11' nl'on D'Ibwn JNVENTOR.

Filed July 17, 1961 Unite States Patent Gffice 3,126,061 Patented Mar. 24, 1964 3,126,061 FEATHERED PADDLE MECHANISM WITH GUIDED ECCENTRIC Clinton 1). Town, 5305 SE. Bush St., Portland 6, Greg. Filed July 17, 1961, Ser. No. 124,401 1 Claim. ((11. 170-151) This invention relates to paddle mechanisms for boats, and more particularly to means for feathering the paddles of a mechanism whereby they have fixed angularity with respect to the water. The feathering means of the invention features a novel guided eccentric, that is connected to the paddles and is operable to produce the feathering.

Paddle-type propulsion mechanisms have certain advantages over other means of boat propulsion. They operate well in shallow water, and they are less susceptible than propellers, for instance, to becoming encumbered with weeds and grasses. If the paddles of the mechanisms are feathered, slapping and lifting of the water as the mechanism turns is prevented, and a more eflicient type of operation results.

A general object of the invention is to provide improved means for feathering the paddles of a paddle-type propulsion mechanism, characterized by a simple construction that is economically produced and easy to repair. Because of their lack of complexity, mechanisms built according to the invention are ideally suited for installation on small pleasure boats, where economy and reliability are important.

Another object is to provide means for feathering the paddles in a paddle-type propulsion mechanism, which, in a manner of speaking, is self-lubricating. Included in the feathering mechanism is an eccentric disc, which is connected to the paddles and mounted to one side of the paddles for rotation about an axis parallel to and offset laterally from the axis about which the paddles move. This disc is held in position by means of guides on the ends of stationary arms that engage the perimeter of the disc. During operating periods, the disc revolves with the base of the disc moving through the water. Thus, the perimeter of the disc is wetted, which provides lubrication for the guides.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel means for feathering the paddles of a paddle-type pro pulsion mechanism, that is easily incorporated in constructions where there is a live axle for the propulsion mechanism journaled directly on the hull of the vessel. The eccentric disc discussed above is held in position by structure independent of the axle. A conventional, straight ale without modification may be employed in the paddle mechanism proper.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide feathering means with an eccentric disc where the effects of any wear that may occur in the disc and means mounting the disc may easily and rapidly be taken care of. Thus, if shoes are used as guides, with the perimeter of the disc sliding in the shoes, an adjustable mounting may be provided for the shoes whereby they may be taken in, to produce snug engagement with the edge of the disc.

A still further object is to provide feathering means featuring an eccentric disc, where means engaging the perimeter of the disc holds the disc for rotation about a fixed axis, and this means also is operable to hold the disc upright.

These and other objects and advantages are attained by the invention, and the same is described hereinbelow in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a paddle-type propulsion mechanism, provided with a guided eccentric for feathering the paddles therein, as constructed according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top, plan view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view looking at the ends of the mechanism shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; and

FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating another modification of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and with particular reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, at 10 and 12 are indicated elongated beams, such as may be found in a boat hull. The beams are part of the hull structure and extend longitudinally of the hull. Mounted on beams 10 and 12, for rotation about an axis 14 extending transversely of the hull, is paddle mechanism indicated generally at 18.

Paddle mechanism 18 comprises a live axle or shaft 20, the longitudinal axis of which coincides with the rotation axis 14 of the paddle mechanism. The ends of axle 20 are journaled in members 22, 24 secured to beams 13 and 12, respectively.

Spaced circumferentially about axle 29 are plural paddles 30. Each is fixed to a paddle spindle 32 paralleling axle 2h. The paddles occupy vertical planes, and as will hereinafter become apparent, when the paddle mechanism is actuated the paddles are feathered, so that in all positions this vertical position is maintained.

One set of ends of the paddle spindles (the top set in FIG. 2) are journaled in bearings 36 mounted onamounting disc 38. Disc 38 is fixed to axle 20. Paddle spindles 32 are also journaled adjacent their other set of ends in bearings 40, mounted on a mounting disc 42. Disc 42 like disc 33 is fixed to axle 20.

Paddle spindles 32 outwardly of bearings 40 are provided with offset end portions 321. These offset end portions are utilized to turn the spindles in such a way that the planes of the paddles remain vertical (i.e., the paddles are feathered) when paddle mechanism 18 is revolved. Producing this feathering movement is feathering mechanism indicated generally at 43.

Further describing feathering mechanism 43, at 44 is indicated a vertically positioned annular disc, disposed to one side of paddle mechanism 18. The disc has an enlarged opening 45 at the center thereof, which minimizes the mass of the disc. The opening also contributes to accessibility, with clearance provided between the disc and axle completely around the axle. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, it will be noted that the center of the disc is somewhat above the axis of axle 20. Thus, the disc has an eccentric position with respect to the axle.

Offset end portions 32a of the paddle spindles are connected to disc 44 by inserting them through bores 46 in the disc. The bores are offset from the axes of the spindles to the same extent that disc 44 is offset from the axis of axle of axle 20. Offset end portions 32a are free to rotate within bores 4-6.

Disc 44 is rotatable about a stationary axis coinciding with its axial center. Supporting the disc are a pair of stationary arms, indicated at 50, 52, with guide means 54, 56 adjacent the ends of the arms. The ends of the arms and the guide means are equally circumferentially spaced about the perimeter of the disc. Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the guide means are on diametrically opposite sides of the disc.

Where two arms are used, preferably they are horizontal and above beams 10 and 12. The arms in this manner are protected to some degree from striking submerged objects. The arms are mounted in a stationary position, using flanges 58 that are integral with the arms.

Each of the guide means 54, 56 includes a shoe 60 preferably of bearing material, such as brass. Preferably each shoe has a groove 62 formed therein that receives the perimeter or edge of disc 44. A shoe is mounted on the end of an arm through a bracket 64 fastened to the shoe,

a and the bracket is adjustable longitudinally of the arm and fixed in adjusted positions by screw assemblies 66.

Completing the description of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3i, 7% indicates a drive pulley secured to axle 2i), and 72 a drive belt trained about the pulley and driven by any suitable poweroperated means (not shown).

Explaining now how the construction operates, on rotation of axle 20 the paddles are caused to move in circular sweeps about an axis coinciding with the axis of axle 2i Paddle spindles 32 move with the paddles, but because of their connections with the eccentric disc, they are caused to rotate in discs 38, 42 in sucha manner as to keep the paddles upright.

In assembling the construction, the shoes are fitted snugly against the outer edge of the eccentric disc, and the shoes thus prevent the disc from moving sideways. Vertical movement of the disc is also prevented by the shoes, because if any vertical movement were to occur, it would also have to be accompanied by a degree of horizontal movement.

The water level for the boat is indicated by line 74. It will be noted that the base of the eccentric disc normally lies in the water. Thus, when the disc is rotated, its perimeter becomes wet, and this provides lubrication between the perimeter of the disc and the shoes that engage it.

It should be noted that the shoes, in addition to holding the disc so that it rotates about a fixed axis, also are operable to hold the disc upright.

Preferably the disc is offset in such a manner that its bottom edge is not as low as the bottom edges of mounting discs 38 and 42. This helps in minimizing inadvertent damage to the disc, such as might result were the disc to strike bottom. The disc need not be olfset vertically upwardly only, but could also be offset in a horizontal or downward direction, with its operation being similar.

Referring now to FIG. 4, here another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The paddle mechanism is the same'as'the one'just described, and has mounting discs with addles mounted thereod Paddle spindles 32 have diisetehd pbrtions32t'at onesetofends, and these are inserted ma, boresiprovided inan eccentric disc 44.

1h "the modifieation OfEIG. 4, the feathering mechanism comprises Tth'ref largriislf indicated at 82, 8 provided with guide means 86 at their ends. The ends of the arms and the guide meansare equally circumterentially spaced about the center axis of eccentric d isc 4 4. The guide means in this case, however, instead of being shoes as shown in the fi rst embodiment, comprises; rollers 87 journalled on brackets 89. The rollers have grooves 83 about their perimeters, and the edge of the eccentric disc is received within these grooves.

By using a greater number of guide means about the perimeter of the disc, the disc may be held somewhat more snugly. With rollers, of course, the disc is guided by means rolling on its outer edge, rather than by means sliding on the edge.

In both embodiments of the invention, the means mounting the eccentric disc for rotation about a stationary axis also holds the disc in a veritcal position. In bothembodiments it will also be noted that means is provided for adjusting the position of the guide means at-the ends of the arms, so that it is an easy matter on first constructing the apparatus to place the guide means snugly against the edge of the eccentric, and should wear occur and looseness become a problem, itis an easy matter to bring in the guide means and again produce a snug fit.

I claim:

In rotatable paddle mechanism for a boat having spindles with paddles thereon circumferentially spaced and movable about an axis extending transversely of-the boat, mechanism for feathering the paddles on their movement into and out of. the water comprising an eccentric disc disposed t'o'one'side of said paddle mechanism with its axis parallel to and offset laterally from the axis about which the paddle spindles move, means rotatably supporting said disc comprising at least a pair of arms with ends spaced equally circumferentially about the perimeter of said disc, and guide means on said ends engaging the perimeter of said disc, said guide means including shoes of bearing material slidable on the outer perimeter of said disc, said shoes having channels therein receiving-the perimeter of saidv disc, a mounting for said shoes accommodatingshifting of the shoes radially of the axis of said disc to various adjusted positions, and means laterally oiiset from the axes of the paddle spindles connecting the spindles to'said disc.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 376,687 Thresher Jan. 17, 1888 633,529 Motheral- Sept. 19, 1899 729,397 Nowak' May 26, 1903 1,011,474 Monroe Q r Dec. 12, 1911 1,228,209 Hill May 29, 1917 FOREIGN PATENTS 4,416 Great Britain AD 1819 

